SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND CLAIMS’
DEADLINE APPROACHES - DECEMBER 22, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Claims for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund must be filed by December 22, less than 4 weeks from now, Kenneth R. Feinberg, the Fund’s Special Master announced today. Those eligible include family members of the 2,976 who died and those individuals who were injured as a result of the terrorist attacks.

The Fund, enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Bush on September 24, 2001, has received to date more than 3,583 claims (including 1,876 claims received from families of deceased victims representing almost two-thirds of eligible claimants) and paid out more than $1.2 billion, Feinberg announced today. The Special Master anticipates that nearly 90% of the families who lost family members will file before December 22 with the Fund.

The average amount of compensation paid to date to the families of those who died on September 11 is $1.7 million. Individual compensation amounts have ranged from $250,000 to $6.9 million. Those physically injured as a result of the attacks have received Fund compensation ranging from $500.00 to $7.9 million.

“The deadline for submission of a claim is fast approaching. Your claim must be received by Midnight of December 22, 2003,” said Feinberg. “Only claims filed by the deadline will be processed.” The Special Master anticipates that all eligible claims will be processed and paid by June 15, 2004. The Special Master has no authority to extend this deadline.

“It is vitally important that all eligible claimants submit an application as soon as possible,” the Fund’s Special Master said. “We will process all completed applications immediately and authorize payment from the United States Treasury.” Mr. Feinberg added that the failure to file with the Fund because of grief or indecision will only compound the tragedy of 9/11.

“My staff will make every effort between now and December 22 to encourage all eligible claimants to file with the Fund. Working with victims' rights groups, lawyers, family members and friends, we are determined to reach all family members and provide them assistance during this very difficult time.”

Feinberg, a Washington, D.C. attorney specializing in mediation, arbitration and negotiation, was named on November 26, 2001 by Attorney General John Ashcroft to oversee the Fund.

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